Revelation:

[Rob Morgan]

Revelation:

Revelation is written in the form of apocalyptic literature (cf. Daniel and Zechariah) by a prophet
(10:11; 22:9) and refers to itself as a prophetic book (1:3; 22:7, .l0, l8-.l9). The three major
Movements in this profound unveiling are captured in 1:19: "the things which you have seen"(1); "the things which are" (2-3); and "the things which will take place after this" (4-22).

"The Things Which You Have Seen" (l): Revelation contains a prologue (l: 1 -3) before the
usual salutation (1:4-8). The Revelation was received by Christ from the Father and communicated by an angel to John. This is the only biblical book that specifically promises a blessing to those who read it (l: 3), but it also promises a curse to those who add to or detract from it (22: l 8-.l9). The salutation and closing benediction show that it was originally written as on epistle to seven Asian churches. A rich theological portrait of the triune God (1:4-8) is followed by an overwhelming theophany (visible manifestation of God) in chapter 1, verses 9-20. The omnipotent and omniscient Christ who will subjugate all things under His authority is the central figure in this book.

"The Things Which, Are" (2-3): The messages to the seven churches (2-3) refer bock to an aspect of John's vision of Christ and contain a command, a commendation and/or condemnation, a correction, and a challenge. These messages are tailored to the needs of each of the seven churches, and some expositors have also seen in them a relevance that goes beyond the first-century context. Others see them as portraying some of the general movements in the history of the Christian church.

"The Things Which Will Take Place after this" (4-22): John is translated into heaven where he is given a vision of the divine majesty. In it, the Father ("one sat on the throne") and the Son (The Lion/Lamb) are worshiped by the twenty-four elders, the four living creatures, and the angelic host because of who they are and what they have done (creation and redemption; 4-5). Christ is declared worthy to judge the earth as the Redeemer of men, and He is about to open the seven seals of the book of judgment.

Three cycles of seven judgments in chapters 6-l6 consists of seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls. There is a prophetic insert between the sixth and seventh seal and trumpet judgments and an extended insert between the trumpet and bowl judgments. Because of the similarity of the seventh judgment in each series, it is possible that the three sets of judgments take place concurrently or with some overlap so that they all terminate with the return of Christ. An alternate approach views them as three consecutive series of judgments, so that the seventh seal is the seven trumpets and the seventh trumpet is the seven bowls.

The seven seals (6: l-8:5) are generated in large part by the sinfulness of man. They include
war, the famine and death that is associated with war, and persecution. The prophetic insert between the sixth and seventh seals (7) describes the protective sealing of 144,000 "children of Israel," 12,000 from every tribe. It also looks ahead to the multitudes from every part of the earth who comes "out of the great tribulation." The seven trumpets (8:2-l l: 19) appear to be largely associated with satanic and demonic activity, judging by the symbolism that is used. The catastrophic events in most of the trumpet judgments are called "woes." The prophetic interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpets (10:1- 1 1:14) adds more details about the nature of the Tribulation Period and mentions a fourth set of seven judgments (the "seven thunders"), which would have extended it if they had not been withdrawn. Two unnamed witnesses will minister during the last three-and-a-half years of the Tribulation (forty-two months or 1,260 days). At the end of their ministry they will be overcome by the beast, but their resurrection and ascension will confound their enemies.

Chapters 12-14 contain a number of miscellaneous prophecies that are inserted between the
trumpet and bowl judgments to give further background on the Time of Tribulation. The woman of chapter 12 is evidently Israel, her child is Christ, and the dragon is Satan. After he is cost down to earth, Satan will seek to destroy the woman but will not succeed. Chapter 13 gives a graphic description of the Antichrist and his false prophet, both empowered by Satan. The first beast is given political, economic, and religious authority; and because of his power and the lying miracles performed by the second beast, he is worshiped as the ruler of the earth. Chapter 14 contains a series of visions including the 144,000 at the end of the Tribulation, the fate of those who follow the beast, and the outpouring of the wrath of God.

The seven bowl; judgments of chapter 16 are prefaced by a heavenly vision of the power, holiness, and glory of God in chapter l5. This final series of judgments appears to take place just prior to the return of Christ, and it stems from the righteous wrath of God. Chapters 1 7-1 8 anticipate the final downfall of the religio-political system of the revived Roman empire. Babylon is symbolically used to refer both to a system and to a city. Commentators disagree, but chapter 17 may focus on the false religious aspect of Babylon while chapter 18 deals with the overthrow of political and commercial Babylon.

Christ himself is about to return to the earth, and heaven wells up with praise to God. With His triumphant and glorious coming He vindicates His righteousness and all who have been persecuted for His name. The messianic marriage banquet is ready to take place, and the awesome King of Kings appears to overthrow His enemies in one consummating judgment (19). The Antichrist and False Prophet are thrown into the lake of fire, the followers perish, and Satan is bound for a thousand years. During this one thousand-year period Christ reigns over the earth with His resurrected saints, but by the end of this Millennium, many will have been born who refuse to submit their hearts to Christ. Satan will be released for a time and these people will become evident when they are satanically inspired to wage war with the Lord. However, Satan is permanently thrown into the lake of fire, the heavens and earth disappear, and the final Great White Throne judgment of those who have rejected Christ takes place (20).

A new universe is created, this time unspoiled by sin, death, pain, or sorrow. The New Jerusalem (described in 21:9-22:5), is shaped like a gigantic cube, one thousand five hundred miles in length, width, and height (the most holy place in the Old Testament tabernacle and the temple was also a perfect cube). Its multicolored stones will reflect the glory of God, and it will continually be filled with light. But the greatest thing of all is that believers will be in the presence of God "and they shall see his face."

Revelation concludes with on epilogue (22:6-21), which reassures the readers that Christ is coming quickly (22:7, 12, 20) and invites all who wish to "take the water of life freely" (22:17) to come to the Alpha and Omega, the Bright and Morning Star.

[Meow]